Catholic Bishops of Ethiopia Reveal 4 Key Outcomes of their Assembly and Call for Peace "peace is the fundamental prerequisite"
EMDEBER, Ethiopia — The Ethiopian Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCE) successfully concluded its 59th Ordinary General Assembly, held from December 8–12, 2025. Hosted by the Eparchy of Emdeber, the gathering was described by Church leaders as a "spiritually guided" session that solidified the Church's structural leadership and its commitment to national reconciliation.
1. Leadership and Structural Reform
A primary outcome of the assembly was the formalization of the Conference's executive leadership and the filling of several key vacancies:
President: His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel was confirmed as President.
Vice President: Bishop Markos Ghebremedhin (Jimma–Bonga) was appointed.
Permanent Secretary: Bishop Lukas Teshome Fikre Woldetensae (Emdeber) takes on this role.
Beyond individual appointments, the Bishops took significant steps to modernize the Church’s administration. They reviewed more than ten commissions, updating their names, mandates, and leadership. Most notably, the Assembly moved to revise the Conference's governing regulations for the first time since 2014; these amended statutes will now be sent to the Holy See for final approval.
2. Pastoral Care and Regional Solidarity
Bishop Lisane Christos, representing the Social Communication Commission, characterized the event as a landmark for ecclesial solidarity. The Bishops engaged in comprehensive reviews of pastoral conditions across all dioceses.
A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to the Eparchy of Adigrat, focusing on providing ongoing support and maintaining unity with the local church in that region. The Assembly emphasized that the Ethiopian Catholic Church is uniquely positioned by its dual celebration of both Eastern and Western liturgical traditions, a diversity that strengthens its communal identity.
3. Strengthening Institutions
The Assembly highlighted the progress of two flagship institutions of the Ethiopian Catholic Church:
Education: Discussions were held regarding the continued development of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic University.
Healthcare: The Bishops celebrated the 25th anniversary of St. Luke’s Catholic Hospital in Woliso, acknowledging its vital service to the community.
4. A Call for National Peace
As Ethiopia looks toward the future, the Bishops issued a strong collective statement on the state of the nation. They reiterated that peace is the fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development. The Conference called upon all sectors of society to prioritize reconciliation and harmony, urging the faithful—including clergy, religious, and catechists—to "walk together in hope" as the Church continues its global Synodal journey.
Source Content: AMECEA Reported by Bezawit Assefa and Sr. Jecinter Olweny, December 20, 2025. https://communications.amecea.org/index.php/2025/12/20/ethiopia-ethiopian-catholic-bishops-conclude-59th-ordinary-general-assembly-in-emdeber/
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